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Boston City Council To Hold Hearing This Friday On The Rising Property Tax
S
ecretary of State William Galvin called on the State Legislature to offer relief to
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February 4, 2021
EDITORIAL Parents Should Investigate What Schools Are Teaching Their Kids
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efore the Covid Virus became an issue, there were already a growing number of parents opting out of keeping their children in the public-school systems, especially those located in larger American cities. There were several reasons. Among the reasons were concerns for safety and in many cases - inferior educational standards. But another concern, a growing concern, was the realization that in many locations, political indoctrination may also be creeping into the curriculum. One alternative
was of course to enroll children in private or parochial schools. But often the cost was/is beyond the reach of many families. And because of the concerns, an increasing number of families even resorted to home schooling. It has now come to light, that students in some Boston’s public schools are being targeted by political activists from Black Lives Matter with the approval of the Boston Teachers Union and it seems to us that, among other issues being pushed, it is creating distrust of police. Parents
have called this newspaper with complaints about this and articles are appearing all over social media, which seem to confirm the fears. Even here in South Boston, at the Condon school, BLM printed materials urge students to come up with ideas for better uses for the funds allocated to Boston’s schools for police security. The fact that BLM literature has been accepted and implemented in public school systems is distressing to many parents, especially after seeing the violence that the group has been involved
in and the inflammatory statements by some of that organization’s leaders. It comes as a surprise to no one that leftist activists in this country have the goal of removing police protection from schools. But when literature is now showing up in some of those schools that contains statements such as “…police only protect certain people”, with the implication being that police are racists, evil and instead of being looked upon as protectors, should be considered oppressors, it goes beyond confusing students,
it genuinely scares them and creates distrust where there should be none. Parents have the right to challenge what their children are being taught in schools. Political indoctrination should never be allowed. But unless families step up and put a stop to it, it will only get worse.
“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand out in the cold” - Aristotle
LETTER TO THE EDITOR TO THE EDITOR, Congrats to South Boston Today for its recent editorial on our county district attorney (Suffolk D.A Rollins At It Again). The more she speaks, the more she should be putting herself out further and further out of consideration for the US Attorney. here in Boston. At least I hope it is embarrassing US Sen. Elizabeth Warren who is Rollins’ chief sponsor. As retired law enforcement, I have watched Rachael Rollins in the District Attorney’s office doing her social justice thing. I am not too sure that was what Suffolk County voters voted for when a good majority voted her into office. We need someone running Suffolk County’s D.A.’s office whose first priority is public safety for all ,and not the nonsense of politically correct social justice reckoning. We want ALL our communities safe from the bad actors roaming freely out there. We need to know our district attorney has our backs whether one lives in South Boston, East Boston, Roxbury or Mattapan. ANYWHERE! EVERYWHERE! SAL GIARRATANI - East Boston SouthBoston TODAY
Publisher • John Ciccone
Shoveling? Remember The Mailbox
We Need Clear Access To Deliver, Postal Service Says
I
t takes more than a few flakes to deter letter carriers from making their appointed rounds throughout New England. “But, if they cannot reach your mailbox, they cannot deliver your mail,” said Leroy Middleton, Postmaster of Boston. “The Postal Service treats safety and service with equal priority,” Middleton said, “That’s why we remind you to include that mailbox in your snow removal routine.” Letter carriers are on the front line of severe weather conditions. Doorstep deliveries, painted porches and steps quickly grow hazardous. “While salting and rubber-backed mats help, we rely on you to clear the snow,” Middleton said. “If there’s a warm spell, and the melting snow puddles, a quick freeze can make a sidewalk slick again.”
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Residents who receive delivery to roadside mailboxes also must keep the approach to, and exit from, the mailbox clear of snow or any other obstacles, like trash cans and other vehicles. “The carrier needs to get in, and then out, without leaving the vehicle or backing up,” said Middleton. “The area near the mailbox should be cleared in a halfmoon shape to give the carrier full visibility.” “Please watch for slow-moving postal vehicles, carriers on foot, and children that play near mailboxes or snow banks,” he said. “And don’t zip by neighbors who are clearing mailboxes or collecting their mail. Let’s all stay safe.” The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. PO Box 491 • South Boston, MA 02127
South Boston Today is not liable for errors appearing in advertisements beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. All South Boston Today produced artwork, design, and layout remain the sole property of South Boston Today. Reproduction in whole or part is strictly forbidden. South Boston Today reserves the right to cut, edit or reject any copy without notice. South Boston Today is a Series of the Today Publications Series LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company
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February 4, 2021
Information Center The
Dr. Fauci and Meteorologists Running Neck and Neck? SOUTH BOSTON TODAY John Ciccone
W
ith probably tens of thousands of memes going around social media, there are some that stand out as they hit the target with a ‘center mass’ shot. One in particular that comes to mind, especially this week as Boston was spared what was predicted to be a massive snowfall Monday night. At the top of the meme, It showed a meteorologist/weatherman at his computer wall saying the following: “I’m the only guy who can be wrong constantly and still keep his job”. The bottom half of the picture showed a grinning Doctor Fauci saying “Wanna Bet?” It seems that now, a week doesn’t pass without Fauci contradicting what he said the previous week. Wear a mask, don’t wear a mask, then again – wear a mask. Last week it was well, since one mask doesn’t seem to be doing the job, wear 2 masks. A day later he said 2 masks are not necessary and less than a day and a half after that he changed his mind again and was back to urging 2 masks. Schools should be closed, then they should open then closed, then open. And it goes on and on with one contradiction after another. He has (some) people going crazy trying to keep up with his latest directive of the day. One reader wrote into this newspaper and made a comparison with Fauci’s constantly changing orders and how people are jumping through hoops to follow, to that old game kids used to play called ‘Simon Says’. Many adults will remember how we used to play Simon Says. The person in front of a lineup of others would bark commands like
Note: talk back to John Ciccone by email at jciccone@southbostontoday.com
– ‘Simon says raise your hands’. And the lineup would all raise their hands. Or ‘Simon says pull your ears’. And the lineup would obediently pull their ears. And on it would go in a process of elimination. The current version of that game being played should be called ‘Fauci Says’, as people dutifully jump to each command that he issues in a mindless effort to comply. And this begs the question: Is he just guessing with these announcements or is he totally incompetent? Or some might even ask if he is just messing with everyone and enjoying himself? We can be sure of one thing. He is enjoying the money he’s making as the highest paid person on a federal payroll, making even more than the President of the United States. So, it should come as some comfort to the much-maligned weather people, who make huge amounts of money even though they are so often wrong, that there is finally a person who has them beat in that category. While weather forecasters have the ability to send masses of people scurrying to the grocery stores for bread and milk, even though their predictions are way off and do it over and over again, Doctor Fauci can say ‘hold my beer’ ,and put hundreds of millions of people in a near riot for the last few rolls of toilet paper on the shelves. They then run for cover to hide in their homes while trying to fit as many masks on their faces as possible. To quote the late Leonard Nimoy – “Fascinating”. And now a mention of the Biden Regime: Many of our readers are avid students of
American history. You know the Constitution well and exactly how our great country was founded. I’m sure everyone can attest to the fact that there has never been a President who came in to office with the goal of killing jobs - many thousands of jobs - especially in his first two weeks in office. This President killed the Keystone Pipeline causing hard working Americans to instantly lose their livelihoods. He is continuing to attack and attempting to destroy the fossil fuel industry.
Of course, the tone deaf, out of touch John Kerry, brought out of mothballs, casually says they should stop complaining and go make solar panels. These misguided (stupid) moves and statements, bring to mind another saying that is on the lips of many Americans, who are watching in disbelief this bumbling team of leftists destroy our country’s economy at breakneck speed: “If your house has power and is nice and warm this evening, you can thank the oil, coal and gas industries”.
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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
Window Into The State House
Window Into The State House provides our readers a synopsis of important issues of interest, past and current, that are being proposed, debated or acted upon by the Massachusetts Legislature. Many issues that are not related to local city government services are acted upon and have a direct impact on daily life. They are tax policy, transportation infrastructure, judicial appointments, social services and health, as well as higher education. We will excerpt reports from the gavel-to-gavel coverage of House and Senate sessions by news sources focused on this important aspect of our lives. These sources include a look ahead at the coming week in state government and summaries and analyses of the past week, re-caps of a range of state government activity, as well as links to other news.
Baker and Walsh: Setting aside the snow blizzard, it’s going to be a ‘good’ week OK, we’ve survived yesterday’s storm and its disruptions of schools, businesses and the state’s emerging vaccination program. But Gov. Charlie Baker and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh think the rest of the week should go rather well, at least when it comes to the rollout of new vaccination sites after last week’s inoculation-registration debacle. SHNS’s Colin Young and the Herald’s Alexi Cohan and Rick Sobey have more on the vaccination improvements Baker and Walsh see coming. Reaching out: Cape task force will call 50K seniors ahead of vaccination briefing They’re thinking ahead. Even though the state isn’t even close to vaccinating those 75 years and older, the Cape Cod COVID-19 Response Task Force says it will make automated phone calls to some 50,000 Cape residents over 65 ahead of a briefing meant to smooth the rollout of the next phase of vaccinations, Cynthia McCormick at the Cape Cod Times reports. So what’s behind the recent decline in virus cases? No one’s quite sure The Globe’s Dasia Moore reports on what may have caused the recent welcome decline in coronavirus cases in Massachusetts. Was it the Baker administration’s new holiday-season
restrictions? The social-distancing actions by towns, cities and individual people? Yeah, sure, probably, a little of each. But keep in mind: virus cases are starting to decline across the nation, with all the varied responses, and so ... just keep doing whatever you’ve been doing, folks. Trahan: ‘Zero chance’ that GOP will delay Dems on stimulus bill Even though the Biden administration is talking with moderate Republicans about a possible compromise on another federal relief package, U.S. Reps. Lori Trahan and Katherine Clark are among Democrats who appear to be in a non-compromising mood when it comes to the stimulus bill, reports SHNS’s Matt Murphy (pay wall) and GBH’s Joe Mathieu, respectively. Unemployment checks: They aren’t in the mail The Globe’s Katie Johnston has an update on the ongoing (and somewhat mysterious) problem of people not getting unemployment checks, even though Congress recently approved new UI funds for millions of Americans. But here’s some good news on the jobless claims front, via CommonWealth’s Sarah Betancourt: “Glitch resolved for immigrants seeking unemployment insurance.” Is it really clear confirmation sailing for Walsh?
As the Globe’s Joan Vennochi points out, some conservative groups are gearing up to oppose the nomination of Mayor Marty Walsh as President Joe Biden’s labor secretary, citing early labor-related scandals during Walsh’s tenure as mayor. Vennochi thinks Walsh, who faces a U.S. Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday, is getting a bad rap on this one. New Boston police commissioner vows to complete reforms Speaking of city government leadership changes, GBH’s Adam Reilly reports on the swearing in yesterday of Boston’s new police commissioner, Dennis White, who replaces now excommissioner Bill Gross. And White is vowing to implement recently recommended reforms at the BPD. As Mass. loses rich residents to states with no income taxes … The Herald’s Joe Dwinell and the Globe’s Jon Chesto report on a new Pioneer Institute study that says Massachusetts is losing wealthy residents to states with no incomes taxes, such as New Hampshire and Florida. And with them has gone more than $20 billion in wealth over the decades. … developers wonder who will occupy office buildings in the future Sure, Amazon recently committed to hiring 3,000 additional tech workers in Boston. But other employers
February 4, 2021
are busy downsizing their office requirements in the city, following the proven success of remote working during the pandemic, and now office building owners are very worried about the future of office towers here and elsewhere, reports the Globe’s Tim Logan. Baker’s new ally on the climatechange bill: Building trade unions This is interesting. SHNS’s Colin Young reports trade unions are nervous, as are Gov. Charlie Baker and developers, about a provision in the Legislature’s recently passed climatechange bill that would allow cities and towns to impose eventual “net-zero” building codes on future developments. Meanwhile, it’s Baker versus big pharma over drug costs CommonWealth’s Shira Schoenberg reports on the feud between the Baker administration and the pharmaceutical industry over the governor’s latest proposal to penalize companies that overcharge for drugs. At stake is $70 million that the penalties could generate for the state. Speaking of drugs and the governor, from Christian Wade at the Salem News: “Baker makes another push for opioid tax.” ‘Rise of the Barstool conservatives’ Matthew Walther at The Week thinks he’s identified a new species of right-wing conservatives: “Barstool conservatives,” led and inspired by Swampscott’s very own Dave Portnoy. Think of the Howie Carr Show and the old Dennis and Callahan duo and you’ll have an approximate local idea of what Walther means by ‘Barstool conservatives.’
NOTICE OF COMMUNITY UPDATE GREEN STRATUS CORP
Notice is hereby given that Green Stratus Corp will hold a virtual meeting on February 22, 2021 at 6:30 PM relative to its proposal to site a Cannabis Establishment at 558-560 Dorchester Avenue in South Boston. This meeting will be held in accordance with the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission’s Administrative Order Allowing Virtual Web-Based Community Outreach Meetings. A copy of the presentation
will be made available at least 24 hours prior to the meeting by visiting GreenStratusCorp.squarespace.com. Interested members of the community will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from company representatives about the proposed facility and operations. Questions can be submitted in advance by emailing haley.dillon@boston.gov or asked during the meeting.
Event Link: http://bit.ly/558dotave • Event number: 179 244 5094 • Event password: 558d
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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
February 4, 2021
Councilor Flynn, Boston’s Veterans Services & Boston VA to Hold Webinar on Feb. 4th “Boston Veterans and the COVID Response: Where Do We Go From Here?”
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oston City Councilor Ed Flynn, Boston’s Veterans Services, and the Boston VA are hosting a webinar to update veterans and their families on the current state of our COVID-19 response as it relates to veterans. The webinar will be on Thursday, February 4th, at 6pm via Zoom, ”Boston Veterans and the COVID Response: Where Do We Go From Here?”
The webinar will include Boston Veterans Services Commissioner Robert Santiago, Dr. Kalpana Gupta, Chief of Infectious Diseases at the Boston V.A., Dr. Marcie Salow, Chief of Pharmacy at the Boston V.A., and Councilor Ed Flynn, U.S. Navy veteran. The webinar will provide an update on Boston’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic for veterans and
military families, including the vaccine rollout, and other programs available for veterans. The webinar will be next Thursday, February 4th, at 6pm. “Thank you to Commissioner Santiago, Dr. Gupta, and Dr. Salow for partnering on this important webinar,” said Councilor Flynn. “The response and resources for our veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic is ever evolv-
ing, and it’s critical that we provide the latest updates so that our veterans can be informed about the services available to them that keep them healthy and safe.” For more information, please contact Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov or 617-635-3203.
homelessness, and mental health challenges. As VA hospitals are struggling to provide gender specific medical care for our women veterans, the recently passed Deborah Sampson Act in Congress seek to address this issue by requiring the VA to offer primary care for female veterans at all medical centers and clinics, and provide access to counseling to women who suffered service-related sexual trauma as well as those who are at risk
of becoming homeless. “Women service members and women veterans are an indispensable part of our military,” said Councilor Flynn. “ It is important that we recognize their sacrifice to our country, as well as realize the challenges that women veterans face. It is critical that our women veterans receive the care and services they need for their health and wellbeing. Thank you to Councilor Edwards for her partnership on this, and I look forward to having this discussion.” “My mother served in the Air Force and I travelled the world with her,” said Councilor Edwards. “Our definitions of who is a war hero and who serves our country are evolving. How we acknowledge all veterans for their service and care for them afterward has to be as inclusive as possible. We need to make sure our country fights for women veterans like they fought for our country. I’m excited to have this conversation and thank Councilor Flynn for his continued leadership on veterans issues.” For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
Councilors Flynn and Edwards File Hearing to Discuss Services for Women Veterans
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oston City Councilors Ed Flynn and Lydia Edwards filed a hearing order at this week’s Council meeting to discuss services for women veterans. The hearing aims to start a discussion on how veteran organizations and V.A. hospitals can offer the genderspecific services for our women veterans. Women comprise nearly 20% of serving military personnel and 10% of the veteran population, making up an
important part of our military. However, despite their contributions, women veterans often don’t receive enough support. For example, the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) hospitals do not have medical facilities that provide the necessary and adequate maternity care for women veterans. Moreover, 25% of women veterans experience Military Sexual Trauma (MST) during military service, and they are more likely to struggle with childcare,
Boston City Council Passes Home Rule Petition 0155 to Request the MA State Legislature to Allow Boston to Override the Special Election Requirement in the Event of a Vacancy in the Office of the Mayor before 3/5/21
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oday, the Boston City Council voted 12-0, with one abstention, to pass Boston City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo’s (District 5) Home Rule Petition #0155. The Home Rule Petition, as passed by the Boston City Council, requests that the City of Boston eliminate the requirement for Special Elections in Summer 2021. The Home Rule Petition, as passed, will have the elected
mayor take office as soon as Fall 2021 municipal general election results are certified. The Council President would serve as Acting Mayor until certification of the election results instead of the remainder of Mayor Walsh’s term. “This wouldn’t have happened without all of the advocates and stakeholders who demanded we put health and equity first,” said Councilor Arroyo. “I’m
eager to partner with our legislature in implementing this Home Rule Petition.” Following today’s passage of the Home Rule Petition by the City Council, Mayor Marty Walsh will need to sign the petition for it to ultimately go to the State House. The matter will need to be passed by the State Legislature and signed by the Governor for it to take effect.
6 Property Tax continued from front page
homeowners who are unable to pay their property taxes on time, a deadline that is quickly approaching in most cities and towns. “With so many people struggling financially right now, property tax payments can be a hardship,” Galvin said in a statement. Last year, the Legislature allowed cities and towns to waive interest and penalties on late property tax payments due to the hardship caused by the pandemic. That relief expired on June 30. “Now that we are in a second wave of the pandemic, I think the time has come to offer additional relief to those who are unemployed through no fault of their own,” said Galvin, who is proposing the same type of relief take effect again. In the City of Everett for example, Eric Demas, CFO for the city, said many residents are looking to take advantage of any type of relief that becomes available. “Everett has been disproportionately impacted given our density and certainly any available tools that the Legislature can give us to continue to provide additional relief is greatly appreciated,” said Demas.
SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
February 4, 2021
He said the city’s property tax and water and sewer receivables have been increasing, showing that people are struggling to make payments. “The city is doing everything that we can to provide as much relief we can, recognizing the situation everyone is in,” said Demas. While property value in Everett is up, taxes went down this year, according to Demas, as levy limits were lowered. Across the state, residential tax rates decreased on average in 2020, according to data from the Department of Revenue’s Division of Local Services. Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn is holding a hearing this Friday, February 5 at 9am. To watch the hearing, you can go to boston.gov/city-council-tv. To submit written testimony or request to testify at the hearing, reach out to Cora Montrond at cora.montrond@boston.gov. The hearing will discuss possible assistance programs for seniors and long-term city homeowners who have difficulties paying property taxes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The hearing will be chaired by Councilor Kenzie Bok in the Committee of Ways and Means. Councilor Flynn was informed by the Assessing Department that values are based on the
sales activity within each assessment district and that the city must adjust and keep at full fair cash value as required by law. During a public zoom call recently to discuss the concerns that residents have expressed and provide information on property tax exemptions and assistance that neighbors can apply for, Assessing Commissioner Nick Ariniello spoke to South Boston residents about how the department calculates property taxes, deferral programs and the different types of exemptions that qualified homeowners can apply for. The City of Boston, he said, offers a number of property tax exemptions for residents who qualify, including for seniors who meet income limits and residency requirements, those who experience hardship, surviving spouses, minors with a deceased parent, veterans, and others. Residents need to apply for those exemptions by April 1st. For more inquiries about whether you qualify for certain exemptions and deferral programs available, you can call the Taxpayer Referral & Assistance Center (TRAC) at (617) 635-4287 or Department of Assessing at (617)-635-4288. See article On Proposition 2 ½ in this publication
Something You Should Know!
The Proposition 2 ½ Factor
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nder Proposition 2½, a municipality is subject to two property tax limits: • Ceiling: The total annual property tax revenue raised by a municipality shall not exceed 2.5% of the assessed value of all taxable property contained in it. • Increase limit: The annual increase of property tax cannot exceed 2.5%, plus the amount attributable to taxes that are from new real property. These limits refer to the entire amount of the annual tax levy raised by a municipality. The property taxes are the sum of: (a) residential real property; (b) commercial real property; (c) industrial real property; and (d) businessowned personal property. In practice, it usually limits the tax bills of individual taxpayers, but only as an indirect result. A side effect of Proposition 2½ is that municipality income will decline in real terms whenever inflation rises above 2.5%. Historically inflation has been above 2.5% for
a significant majority of the years since 1980 (22 out of the 28 years to date), thus resulting in a real decline in local tax rates and local spending ability. An exception allows the citizens of each municipality to override the 2½ restriction to address specific needs of the community thus giving the citizens direct control over their taxation. Proposition 2½ excludes four cases from the limitation on tax levy increases: • “New growth”: The Act allows for new growth. So, for example, when a new house is built, the tax levy may increase by the amount of taxes collected from that house. And three types of exclusions granted by the majority those voting in a municipal referendum: • “Capital exclusion”: Capital expenditure for the upcoming fiscal year; • “Debt exclusion”: For pre1980 municipal debt or new debt issued for a designated purpose (e.g., bonds issued for a multi-year
capital expense); • Water/sewer debt: For certain water and sewer system debt. Overrides and Underrides Municipalities may exceed or reduce the limits with the prior approval of the majority those voting in a municipal referendum to: • “Operational override”: Override the increase limit.
• “Underride”: The levy limit is reduced. Such a vote can be started by the Massachusetts initiative petition procedure, or the municipal legislature. The proposition originally required a two-thirds majority for passage of overrides, but the state legislature changed this to a simple majority in 1981.
February 4, 2021
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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
BOSTON EMS CELEBRATE NEW EMT GRADUATES
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oston Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Boston Emergency Medical Services Chief James Hooley celebrated the graduation of 14 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) recruits in a small virtual ceremony. This graduating class will be assigned to 911 ambulances, strengthening the City of Boston’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS). “During this unprecedented crisis, our EMTs and paramedic have been working selflessly on the frontlines every day to help lead the City’s response and save lives,” said Mayor Walsh, who participated in today’s ceremony with a recorded video message for the graduates. “They’ve done so with passion and dedication, and today’s recruits are ready to join the efforts as we continue to battle COVID-19. I want to thank this class for their service and congratulate them as they join the best EMS department in the country.” This academy class has been on the frontlines of the City’s COVID-19 response efforts during the pandemic. Boston EMS EMTs and paramedics have provided care to more than 4,300 patients with confirmed cases of COVID-19. 167 of those patients were treated by this class of EMS recruits. Today marks the second EMS graduation since the pandemic began last year. “This recruit class has courageously cared for Boston residents during some of the most difficult months of the pandemic. They’ve seen firsthand that putting on this uniform every day is not a job; it is a calling that takes precision and compassion. I am proud to be here
today to officially welcome these men and women into our Boston EMS family. I know they’ll serve this city well,” said Boston EMS Chief James Hooley. Today’s ceremony formally acknowledges the 14 recruits’ (11 men, 3 women) successful completion of a rigorous post-hire training program for EMTs at Boston EMS. Already state certified EMTs prior to their hire, this graduating class completed an additional six months of classroom and field training while complying with COVID-19 safety protocols. In total during three months of field training in ambulances, these recruits responded to 2,298 emergency incidents including strokes, stabbings, traumatic injuries, seizures, carbon monoxide illness, overdoses and more. With guidance from seasoned EMT field training officers, recruits are not only prepared to care for patients, regardless of the circumstances, they also now understand the level of care, clinical excellence and professionalism expected of Boston EMS EMTs. Boston EMS is one of the busiest municipal EMS providers in New England, responding to more than 125,000 emergency medical incidents per year. As a bureau of the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), Boston EMS is committed to serving Boston’s residents through clinical excellence, emergency planning and preparedness, and community outreach. In his FY20 budget, Mayor Walsh added four EMTs to promote diversity and recruitment as well as resources to expand the capacity of Boston EMS’s Community
Assistance Team, also known as Squad 80. Squad 80 is a two-person team that travels in a non-transport vehicle and answers calls where patients have a low frequency of being transported to the emergency room, making more ambulances available for priority calls that need to get patients to the hospital. It also connects people to our recovery and homeless support services and other city programs. In FY21, Mayor Walsh and the City of Boston are investing in seven new ambulances, as well as new portable radios to support coordination and communication, new body armor to protect EMTs and Paramedics and new automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for patient care. ABOUT BOSTON EMS Boston EMS is the primary provider of emergency medical services for the City of Boston and is a nationally recognized leader in the field of pre-hospital emergency medicine. The department leverages the latest advances in both medicine and technology to bring high-quality, compassionate care
to the people of Boston. Boston EMS also plays a key role in the City’s emergency preparedness efforts and provides community programming designed to educate the public about important health and safety topics. ABOUT THE BOSTON PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION The Boston Public Health Commission, one of the country’s oldest health departments, is an independent public agency providing a wide range of health services and programs. It is governed by a sevenmember board of health appointed by the Mayor of Boston. Public service and access to quality health care are the cornerstones of our mission - to protect, preserve and promote the health and well-being of all Boston residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable. The Commission’s more than 40 programs are grouped into six bureaus: Emergency Medical Services; Child Adolescent & Family Health; Community Health Initiatives; Homeless Services; Infectious Disease; and Recovery Services.
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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
The
Wine Guy
Why Not Drink What The WineLoving Spaniards Drink!
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hen most people think about Spain, they think of its beautiful cities, like Barcelona and the capital, Madrid. If you ask someone who loves wine what Spain means to them, you’ll get a lot of different answers, because there are lots of great wines. Spain is about a lot more than just Sangria. Like other countries in
I Was Just Thinking…
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by Kevin Devlin
erm limits? Senator Ted Cruz recently introduced an amendment which
February 4, 2021
Europe, wine has been a part of Spain through the ages, but really got organized when the Romans took over the region and re-named it Hispania; Gotta love those Romans! They taught the native population how to grow and manage the grapes and how to make wine. Today, there are more than sixty different growing regions and scores of different grape varieties, but two of the most prominent are Tempranillo and Granacha, or what we call Grenache. From the Jumilla region, in the northern part of the country, some of the country’s most popular reds are produced from vineyards that were on the verge of disaster less than thirty years ago. A destructive louse called Phylloxera, destroyed nearly all the vine in the region and growers had to start over. They not only met that challenge, but in the process, became one of the most modern wine-producing regions in the country and are still leading the way today. The family of Juan Gil have been making wine since 1916 and the current crop is well-represented by its Bodegas Hijos Juan Gil 2018, ($13.99). The wine has a very dark cherry color with purple tones, and powerful aromas of red berries with toasted and smoked notes
from their aging in oak barrels. It shows good structure with ripe and sweet tannins. There is great depth in the mouth with a perfect balance between fruit, alcohol and the oak tones which make it really great for so many meat-based Tapas dishes that are popular in this region. Among the higher-end wines in this region, one of the most famous is the Bodegas El Nido Clio; its Bodegas El Nido Clio, 2018, ($44.99), is rich and supple, with notes of dark red cherries, plums and dried fruit, soft tannins and a very long, lingering finish. This vintage is the most recent one available, but you might also see a 2010 here and there; if you do, grab it, as it will be drinking well until the early 2020s. From Bodegas Luzon comes its most popular wine, by the same name,
Finca Luzon, 2017, ($12.99), a blend of Monestrall and Syrah grapes. This wine has a bit of spice on the nose, in addition to red cherry and blackberry tones; the tannins are soft and the finish is notable, but not overpowering. Pair this one with roasts, beef stews or grilled lamb. The Monterebro vineyards produce some of the best quality wines in the region, with one in particular, Monterebro Vinos Joven, Jumilla, 2018, ($13.99), offering exceptional quality for the price. This is a drier red, with smoked tones and earthy notes; great with stronger cheeses like Stilton or Muenster, but also delicious with hearty red sauce-based dishes. So, if you’re looking for a change of pace, keep an eye out for wines from this wonderful region! Talk to The Wine Guy at jdris8888@gmail.com
would do just that. His proposal would limit senators to two sixyear terms and representatives to three two-year terms. For such a constitutional amendment to be passed, two-thirds majority in Congress and ratification by three-quarters of our state legislatures would have to be realized. There’s little doubt about the need to have term limits in the House and Senate yet it would take a miracle. It’s just not going to happen, certainly not in our lifetimes. Contrary to causing a brain drain due to the loss of experienced pols, term limits would grant the opportunity for new blood to flow through the halls of Congress bringing with it fresh, invigorating ideas; thereby encouraging people to vote more often because they know their voices will be heard if they do so. Term limits could bring centrism back in government, limit
the potential for political corruption, limit the influence of corporate lobbying, allow politicians to act with courage, and finally, “Change the perspective of what it means to be a politician. Instead of turning this work into a career of its own, the service would become more like it was intended to be under the original Articles of Confederation – an act of civic duty.” We all know politicians don’t want to give up their power. Power is alluring, like a drug, and once one partakes of its seductive ingredients, it’s not to be denied. It overtakes, and controls. It’s ironic that Dems, who have been floating the idea of term limits for Supreme Court Justices, which has gained momentum following the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the contentious political fight to fill her seat, would never, in
a million years, agree to term limits for themselves. Of course, they wouldn’t. What’s that old saying? Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Yeah, that’s the saying. It was right on the tip of my tongue. Most Americans do support term limits. Bills and amendments for term limits in Congress have been introduced in almost every session since 1943, but only lip service is afforded these overtures as the people’s wishes are snubbed. The Twenty-Second amendment passed in 1951, a reaction to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s election to an unprecedented four term as president, limits the number of times a person is eligible for election to the presidency to two terms. It’s about time the federal government did the same.
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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
February 4, 2021
Recent
South Boston Real Estate Sales
Property/Type
23 Loring Street Single Family 21 Grimes Street Single Family 490 - B East Seventh Street Single Family 20 Loring Street Single Family 305 Bolton Street Single Family 192 Silver Street Single Family 286 Bowen Street Single Family 284 Bolton Street Single Family 188 Tudor Street Single Family 16 Vinton Street Single Family 4 Dixfield Street Single Family 2 Dixfield Street Single Family 301 West Second Street Single Family 115 Bolton Street Single Family 6 Dixfield Street Single Family 71 Marine Road Single Family 11 Earl Street Single Family 91 Baxter Street Single Family
Price
Sale Date
$575,000
10/1/21
$705,000
8/31///2020
$750,000
Rooms Baths
Sq Ft
Virtual Public Meeting
1
1,080
7
2
1,176
69 A Street
8/14/20
5
2.5
1,340
Tuesday, February 16 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
$805,000
8/31/20
6
1.5
1,320
$830,000
11/16/20
5
1.5
1,224
$831,000
1/1/21
8
2.5
1,760
$850,000
8/12/20
9
3
1,300
$850,000
8/12/20
9
3.5
2,400
$850,000
11/13/20
6
2.5
1,544
$860,000
8/31/20
5
1.5
1,364
$864,168
8/5/20
8
2w,2h
1,800
$865,000
9/18/20
7
2
1,538
$875,000
10/20/20
7
2.5
1,791
5
Project Proponent:
Zoom Link: bit.ly/2Nu9DcC Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 160 670 1122
CIEE, a/k/a the Council on International Education Exchange
Project Description: The NPC II Project will re-purpose the approved building envelope, and so remains entirely consistent with exterior appearance of the Approved Project. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant impacts on CIEE’s operations, substantially reducing its workforce. To address these implications and fulfill its commitment to economic development, job creation and community benefits, CIEE is partnering with the established life-science venture of Genesis and Phase 3 Real Estate Partners. The NPC II Project would enable CIEE to repurpose the Approved Project with a similar commercial use and resulting employment opportunities. The NPC II Project is also consistent with the public review and input for the Approved Project, which reduced the size and scale of the Original Approved Project. To emphasize, the NPC II Project will not result in any expansion to the building envelope, or reduction in set-back dimensions, open space, on-site parking/loading or overall site improvements. mail to:
phone: email:
Michael Sinatra Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 617.918.4280 michael.a.sinatra@boston.gov
Close of Comment Period: 2.26.2021
BostonPlans.org
@BostonPlans
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
$890,000
11/16/20
7
1.5
1,300
$949,000
12/30/20
6
2.5
2,001
$950,000
9/30/20
7
2
1,358
$965,000
9/14/20
7
2.5
1,734
$975,000
9/15/10
7
2.5
1,486
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NOTICE OF TIER CLASSIFICATION New Cypher Street New Cypher Street, Boston, MA RTN 3-36092 A release of oil and/or hazardous materials has occurred at this location, which is a disposal site as defined by M.G.L. c. 21E, § 2 and the Massachusetts Contingency Plan, 310 CMR 40.0000. To evaluate the release, a Phase I Initial Site Investigation was performed pursuant to 310 CMR 40.0480. The site has been classified as Tier II pursuant to 310 CMR 40.0500. On January 29, 2021, the Massachusetts Port Authority filed a Tier II Classification Submittal with the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). To obtain more information on this disposal site, please contact Mr. Chester Myers, Massachusetts Port Authority, 1 Harborside Drive, East Boston, Massachusetts, 02128, 617-568-3661. The Tier II Classification Submittal and the disposal site file can be viewed at MassDEP website using Release Tracking Number (RTN) 3-36092 at http://public.dep.state.ma.us/SearchableSites2/Search.aspx or at MassDEP, Northeast Regional Office, 205B Lowell Street, Wilmington, MA, 01887, 978-694-3200. Additional public involvement opportunities are available under 310 CMR 40.1403(9) and 310 CMR 40.1404.
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10
South Boston Catholic Academy News
Grade 4A News
F
rom our Grade 4A Teacher, Ms. Caitlin Gibbs…The students in 4A have adapted so well to all of the changes they have had to face this year, and we are all happy that we have the opportunity to be together every day! In science, we have been talking
SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
about minerals and rocks. To help our understanding of the rock cycle, we did a fun hands-on project where starbursts represented rocks and we used heat and pressure to change the starbursts into metamorphic, sedimentary, and igneous rocks! The students have been enjoying reading Shiloh during reading class and making connections between it and the book, Because of Winn-Dixie that we read earlier this year! In social studies, students worked hard on identifying the states in the Northeast and some of its special landforms! We have also been working hard on our multiplication skills in math. We are looking forward to the rest of the school year learning, laughing, and growing together. New applicants are welcomed to email Mrs. Jamie Brown at j.brown@sbcatholicacademy.org to learn more about South Boston Catholic Academy.
February 4, 2021
The 245th Evacuation Day Poster And Essay Contest Topics Announced
S
outh Boston Citizens’ Association President Tom McGrath announced today that because of the tremendous success of the past several years’ contest, the Association will once again sponsor the 2021 Annual Essay and Poster Contests. After last year’s outstanding effort put forth by past President Bernie O’Donnell and his committee, they expressed an interest in taking on the challenge of chairing The Essay and Poster Contests. “Bernie always taught me that these contests are a great way to educate and strengthen the interest of the children of the community, I was more than pleased when Bernie offered to head up this Event for the children of South Boston. This year we will open up the High School competition to all students residing in Suffolk County or attends a school in Suffolk County”, Remarked McGrath. Bernie further expressed “One of the missions of the SBCA is to reach out to the young children of this historically rich community, joining the SBCA in promoting, organizing, and judging the Evacuation Day Poster and Essay Competitions is a most fitting way to improve on that mission.” The current plan with respect to our annual Evacuation Day activities is to continue to host all the events as we have done in years past, but with additional precautions, including social distancing and face coverings. We will continue to work with Governor Baker, the City of Boston Health Commission, and the National Park Service for the planning of our activities, as we do every year, and will strictly follow their requirements and guidance on all aspects of our hosted events. We look forward to working with the community again this year, which commemorates the 245th anniversary of Evacuation Day in Boston. Celebrating Evacuation Day events in the community is a huge undertaking, especially under current circumstances. But thanks to Volunteers and Community Business partners in past years, such as Comcast, Mass Bay Credit Union and City of Boston Credit Union, we at the SBCA are confident we will be able to complete the task and make it possible for the entire community to safely enjoy this year’s commemorative events. Subject matter has been specifically chosen as follows. Poster competition Grades 3-5 Subject matter has been specifically chosen as follows. The poster competition is open to all students that attend schools in South Boston. This year’s theme is the significance of Colonel Henry Knox and the Noble Train of Artillery. Poster should be original compositions, in any medium at least 8 1/2 x 11” but preferably larger. Prizes are as follows: First prize$100 Second prize $75 Third prize $25 Essay competition Grades 6-8 What is the significance of Dorchester Heights ? Please focus on the history and importance to the South Boston community. Essays should be at least 500 words. Prizes are as follows: First place $100 Second prize $75 Third prize $25 This Essay competition is open to all students that attend ALL schools in the City Boston. Grade 9-12 What role did the smallpox epidemic play in the Evacuation of Boston in March 1776 and the War of Independence till surrender at Yorktown. How did the epidemic effect General Washington and British Troops. Essays should be at least 1000 words. Prizes are as follows: First prize $150 Second prize $100 Third prize $50
All entries should bear, in an attached envelope, the contestant’s name, school and a means of contacting the entrant, and should be submitted no later than Friday, March 12th, 2021 At 5 PM. All entries may be mailed to South Boston Citizens’ Association, P.O. Box 74, South Boston, MA 02127, or can be picked up at schools by a representative of the Citizens’ Association. Entries can also be dropped off at170 M Street.
February 4, 2021
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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
This week, Danny gave “Pic’s Pick” for Super Bowl LV:
W
e made it. Super Bowl LV. This Sunday in Tampa Bay. For the first time ever, an NFL team will play in a Super Bowl in their own stadium. And the only reason the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are doing so is because of one man. Tom Brady. Don’t fool yourself into thinking otherwise. Remember, all of these daily sports-talk shows need to provide some type of football content for two weeks. So what they do is, they over-analyze every single aspect of everything. It’s not their fault. That’s the way it has to be. But in the process, they might trick you into believing that, somehow, the Buccaneers are in this position because of maybe their coach Bruce Arians, or their defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. Ya, right. That’s not a knock on either Arians or Bowles. But it’s not reality. Brady took over a 7-9 team, helped them to an 11-5 record in his first year, and now has them playing in the Super Bowl after winning three road playoff games, which included wins over Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers.
Sure, you can look at Tampa Bay’s improved defense in 2020, but you’d be a fool to underestimate Brady’s effect on his own defensive players’ mindset. Brady’s presence is that of a winner. He’s never out of a game. He will always give you a chance to win. And that mindset absolutely rubs off on his defense. It’s not the full definition of “The Patriot Way,” but it became a major part of the movement in New England, knowing that, if everyone else did their job, then they’d be in a position to let Brady finish that job. It was a mindset that took over in New England. And it’s a mindset that has now seemingly taken over in Tampa Bay. Put it this way, the Buccaneers certainly didn’t feel that way about Jameis Winston. Can you blame them? And then you have the whole Brady vs Bill Belichick debate. This drives me crazy as well. You don’t have to hate Belichick to admit that Brady has already won the debate. Again, don’t make this complicated. The question is: “Can Belichick win with any quarterback?”
Or, “Can Brady win without Belichick?” Answer: No. And, yes. There are still some people out there who believe Brady was simply just a product of Belichick’s “system” and that Belichick could take any quarterback, slide him under center, and win. Well, after a 7-9 season with Cam Newton under center, we now know that’s just not true. And with Brady leading the lowly Buccaneers to the Super Bowl in hist first season with the team, I’m just not sure how this one is even still up for debate. That’s not to say Belichick won’t eventually find a quarterback he can win with at some point. But to say he can just “win with anyone” is now proven to be false. Belichick aside, it does continue to amaze me whenever I come across a fellow Patriots fan that doesn’t want to root for Brady and the Buccaneers right now. The guy carried this city for 20 years. He owned personal real estate in the AFC Championship. Here in New England, getting to the Super Bowl every year was expected. How many NFL fans
can say that? Answer: Only the fans who have Brady as their quarterback. Right now, Buccaneers fans are understanding just how special that feeling is. Which brings me to my pick fro Super Bowl LV: TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (+3) over Kansas City Chiefs -It’s a rematch from late November when the Chiefs beat the Bucs in Tampa Bay, 27-24. That was actually the last time the Buccaneers lost. Now, we get to see it again in the Super Bowl. The over-under is 56, so I expect both teams to put up at least 25 points. And I have a feeling this one is going to come down to who has the ball last. I’m taking the points because I so think the Buccaneers will win, and Brady will get his seventh Super Bowl ring. Wouldn’t it be something if he sealed the deal with a game-winning drive that resulted in a touchdown pass to Rob Gronkowski? Give me Tampa Bay to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Brady is your Super Bowl MVP. Bucs win, 34-28. Follow Danny on Twitter and Instagram @DannyPicard.
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SPORTS TODAY PEDROIA ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
A
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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
February 4, 2021
WHATTOWATCH NHL FRIDAY, FEB. 5 Boston at Philadelphia 7 P.M. NESN
Tweet ofthe Week
SATURDAY, FEB. 6 Buffalo at Boston 7:30 P.M. NESN MONDAY, FEB. 8 Buffalo at Boston 7 P.M. NBCSN NBA FRIDAY, FEB. 5 Boston at LA Clippers 10 P.M. ESPN
SBT Staff
fter spending his entire 17-year pro career in the Boston Red Sox organization, second baseman Dustin Pedroia retired from the game of baseball this week, revealing that he had knee replacement surgery in 2020. Pedroia, 37, hasn’t played a full season since 2017. And even in that 2017 season, he missed 57 games due to a left knee injury, the same knee that was just replaced. He played in just three games in 2018, and six games in 2019, while missing all of last year’s COVID-shortened 2020 season. Pedroia was named AL Rookie of the Year in 2007, and then won
NFL SUNDAY, FEB. 7 Super Bowl LV Kansas City (-3) vs Tampa Bay 6:30 P.M. CBS
SUNDAY, FEB. 7 Boston at Phoenix 2 P.M. NBCSB
the AL MVP in 2008. He was a four-time AL All Star, won four Gold Gloves, and has three World Series championship rings. He will go down as one of the Red Sox all-time greats. “Dustin is so much more than his American League Most Valuable Player award, his All-Star Game selections, and the Gold Gloves he amassed throughout his impressive 17-year career in our organization,” said Red Sox Principal Owner John Henry in the team’s statement. “Dustin
came to represent the kind of grit, passion, and competitive drive that resonates with baseball fans everywhere and especially with Red Sox fans. He played the game he loves in service to our club, its principles and in pursuit of championships. Most of all we are forever grateful to him for what he brought to our club and to our region as an important role model showing all of us how much one can accomplish with determination and hard work.” “Through championships and in-
juries, Dustin’s disciplined approach never wavered,” said Red Sox President and CEO Sam Kennedy. “His work ethic is incomparable, and we saw him attack his rehab during the last chapter of his career with the same intensity he approached the batter’s box in his prime. I know hanging up his spikes is not an easy decision for a competitor of his caliber. We are fortunate to have had him in a Red Sox uniform for so long and look forward to welcoming him back to Fenway Park to celebrate his career.”
SCHILLING REQUESTS TO BE REMOVED FROM HALL OF FAME BALLOT
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SBT Staff
ast week, former Red Sox pitcher and World Series champion Curt Schilling received the most Hall of Fame votes out of any eligible player on the ballot. The problem is, his 71.1 percent of the vote was not good enough to get in, as you need 75 percent of the vote to be Hall-of-Fame bound. For the first time since 2013, the Baseball Writers’ Associa-
tion of America did not vote anybody into the Hall of Fame this year. And because the veterans committee did not meet thanks to COVID-19, it marks the first time since 1960 that nobody will be going to Cooperstown. Schilling’s 10th and final year on the ballot will be in 2022. But after this year’s voting left him just shy of the Hall of Fame once again, he made it clear in a letter to the Hall of
Fame that he now wants off the ballot. And he posted that letter to his facebook page. “Hey guys. Couple things. First off I am not sure I can express my level of gratitude and sincere appreciation at the graciousness, kindness and desire on all your parts to help me navigate this process. I can say at this point I am mentally done. I know math and I know trends and I know I will not attain the 75% threshold for induction,”
said Schilling. Schilling finished off the long letter by saying, “I will not participate in the final year of voting. I am requesting to be removed from the ballot. I’ll defer to the veterans committee and men whose opinions actually matter and who are in a position to actually judge a player. I don’t think I’m a hall of famer as I’ve often stated but if former players think I am then I’ll accept that with honor.”
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